Surveillance camera

ABSTRACT

A surveillance camera is a dome type surveillance camera and includes a base, a connecting member connected to the base, a plurality of cameras connected to the connecting member such that imaging directions of the cameras move in an elevation angle direction with respect to the base, and a dome type cover fixed to the base so as to cover the connecting member and the plurality of cameras. One camera, out of the plurality of cameras, moves such that the imaging direction of the one camera is aligned with a top of the cover.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a dome type surveillance camera.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the related art, there is an omnidirectional camera that includes aplurality of cameras and can image areas in all directions. For example,in

Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2014-115374, anomnidirectional camera that can acquire a seamless and omnidirectionalimage and improves the accuracy of measuring location information basedon a GPS signal is disclosed.

Even the omnidirectional camera needs to intensively image an area in apredetermined direction in some cases. However, since the plurality ofcameras are fixed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No.2014-115374, the area in the predetermined direction cannot beintensively imaged.

SUMMARY

Examples which do not limit the disclosure contribute to providing asurveillance camera of which an imaging direction can be aligned withvarious directions.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided asurveillance camera that is a dome type surveillance camera. Thesurveillance camera includes a base, a connecting member connected tothe base, a plurality of cameras connected to the connecting member suchthat imaging directions of the cameras move in an elevation angledirection with respect to the base, and a dome type cover fixed to thebase so as to cover the connecting member and the plurality of cameras.One camera, out of the plurality of cameras, moves such that the imagingdirection of the one camera is aligned with a top of the cover.

According to the aspect of the disclosure, the imaging directions can bealigned with various directions.

An advantage and an effect of the aspect of the disclosure are apparentfrom the specification and the drawings. Although each of such anadvantage and/or effect is provided in several embodiments andcharacteristics described in the specification and the drawings, not allof the advantage and/or effect are required to be provided in order toobtain one or more of the same characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a surveillance camera according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the surveillance camera in a state where acover is removed;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the surveillance camera in the state where thecover is removed;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the surveillance camera in the state where thecover is removed;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the surveillance camera in the state where thecover is removed;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state where an imaging direction of acamera is aligned with a top direction of the cover;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a state where the imaging direction of thecamera has moved out of the top direction of the cover;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating rotation of the camera with the topdirection of the cover as a rotation axis;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state where the camera has rotated withthe top direction of the cover as a rotation axis;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a housing and a base of the surveillancecamera;

FIG. 11 is a view of a connecting member mounted on the base illustratedin FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating connection of the connecting member tothe base;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the connection of the connecting memberto the base;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the camera seen from the front;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the camera seen from the back;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the camera seen from thefront;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the camera seen from theback;

FIG. 18A is a view illustrating a rotation range of the camera;

FIG. 18B is a view illustrating the rotation range of the camera;

FIG. 18C is a view illustrating the rotation range of the camera;

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an example in which the surveillancecamera is provided at an intersection;

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a camera provision example of thesurveillance camera provided at the intersection;

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating an example of an image captured in thecamera provision example of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating another camera provision example;

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating an example of an image captured in thecamera provision example of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating an example of a panoramic image which iscontinuous in a horizontal direction;

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a mechanism that relieves external shockto the surveillance camera;

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a state where the base has settled towarda bottom of the housing;

FIG. 27A is a view illustrating the state where the base has settledtoward the bottom of the housing; and

FIG. 27B is a view illustrating the state where the base has settledtoward the bottom of the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detailwith reference to appropriate drawings. However, needlessly detaileddescription will be omitted in some cases. For example, detaileddescription of matters which are already well known or repeateddescription of practically the same configurations will be omitted insome cases. That is to avoid the following description being needlesslylong, and to promote understanding for those skilled in the art.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided tohelp those skilled in the art sufficiently understand the disclosure.The drawings and the description are not intended to limit the scope ofthe claims.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a surveillance camera according to theembodiment of the disclosure. The surveillance camera illustrated inFIG. 1 is provided, for example, on a traffic light pole and a utilitypole, which are provided at an intersection, or inside or outside astructure such as a building.

The surveillance camera is connected to, for example, an informationprocessing device such as a personal computer, and transmits a capturedimage to the information processing device. Hereinafter, threecoordinate axes illustrated in FIG. 1 are set with respect to thesurveillance camera.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the surveillance camera has housing 1 andcover 2. Housing 1 has fixing surface A1 on a bottom. The surveillancecamera is fixed to, for example, a traffic light pole, a utility pole,or a structure, such as a building, via fixing surface A1.

Cover 2 is a dome type cover, and has a hemispheric shape. Cover 2 isformed of, for example, a transparent material such as glass or plastic.A portion indicated by arrow A2 of FIG. 1 is a top of cover 2.

Cover 2 is fixed to housing 1 so as to cover a plurality of cameras (forexample, refer to FIG. 2 or 3) mounted on housing 1. Cover 2 protectsthe plurality of cameras mounted on housing 1.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the surveillance camera in a state where cover2 is removed. In FIG. 2, the same elements as FIG. 1 are assigned withthe same reference signs.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the surveillance camera has a plurality ofcameras 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c. Although the surveillance camera accordingto the embodiment of the disclosure has four cameras, another camera ishidden behind camera 11 b (-x axis direction) in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a front, view of the surveillance camera in a state wherecover 2 is removed. In FIG. 3, the same elements as FIG. 2 have the samereference signs. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the surveillance camera hasfour cameras 11 a to 11 d. Imaging directions of cameras 11 a to 11 d(for example, directions perpendicularly extending from lens surfaces)are adjusted (moved) by a user's hand.

Housing 1 has base 12. Base 12 is a plate-shaped member, and has acircular shape when seen from the front of the device (+z axisdirection). As will be described later in detail, cameras 11 a to 11 dare movably fixed (connected) to base 12.

The center of base 12 is located immediately below the top of cover 2(right below the top). For example, the center of base 12 is locatedright below the top of cover 2, which is indicated with arrow A2 of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the surveillance camera in a state where cover2 is removed. In FIG. 4, the same elements as FIGS. 2 and 3 are assignedwith the same reference signs. In FIG. 4, cameras 11 a and 11 c areillustrated and the illustration of cameras 11 b and 11 d is omitted inorder to simplify description. As illustrated in FIG. 4, thesurveillance camera has connecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, and 21 c.

Connecting member 21 aa extends from the center of base 12 toward thetop of cover 2. In other words, connecting member 21 aa extends frombase 12 located immediately below the top of cover 2 toward the top ofcover 2.

Connecting member 21 aa has an axis extending from the center of base 12toward the top of cover 2, and rotates about the axis. For example, axisA11 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an axis of connecting member 21 aaextending from the center of base 12 toward the top of cover 2.Connecting member 21 aa rotates in a right-and-left direction about axisA11 of FIG. 4, which is a rotation axis.

One end of connecting member 21 ab is connected to an end portion ofconnecting member 21 aa on a side opposite to base 12. In addition, theother end of connecting member 21 ab is connected to camera 11 a.

The one end of connecting member 21 ab is connected to connecting member21 aa such that the other end moves in an elevation angle direction withrespect to base 12. That is, the other end of connecting member 21 abmoves in the elevation angle direction with respect to base 12.Hereinafter, the elevation angle direction with respect to base 12 willbe simply called an elevation angle direction in some cases.

As described above, the other end of connecting member 21 ab isconnected to camera 11 a. The other end of connecting member 21 ab movesin the elevation angle direction. Therefore, the imaging direction ofcamera 11 a moves in the elevation angle direction. For example, arrowA12 illustrated in FIG. 4 indicates the elevation angle direction withrespect to base 12. The imaging direction of camera 11 a moves in anarrow A12 direction of FIG. 4.

Connecting member 21 c extends from a position separated away from thecenter of base 12 toward the top of cover 2. For example, connectingmember 21 c extends from a point where axis A11 of connecting member 21aa and base 12 intersect (position separated away from the center ofbase 12) toward the top of cover 2. As will be described later,connecting member 21 c is connected to base 12 so as to be movable on acircumference of which the center corresponds to the center of base 12(for example, refer to rail 41 of FIG. 10 or 12).

Camera 11 c is connected to an end portion of connecting member 21 c ona side opposite to base 12. Camera 11 c is connected to connectingmember 21 c such that the imaging direction thereof moves in anelevation angle direction.

For example, arrow A13 illustrated in FIG. 4 indicates the elevationangle direction with respect to base 12. The imaging direction of camera11 c moves in an arrow A13 direction of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the surveillance camera in a state where cover2 is removed. In FIG. 5, the same elements as FIG. 4 are assigned withthe same reference signs. In FIG. 5, camera 11 a is illustrated in orderto simplify description, and the illustration of camera 11 c, which isillustrated in FIG. 4, is omitted. As illustrated in FIG. 5, thesurveillance camera has shaft member 31 a.

Shaft member 31 a connects connecting member 21 aa to connecting member21 ab. Shaft member 31 a connects connecting member 21 ab to connectingmember 21 aa such that the other end of connecting member 21 ab (side onwhich camera 11 a is mounted) moves in the elevation angle direction.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state where the imaging direction ofcamera 11 a is aligned with a top direction of cover 2. In FIG. 6, thesame elements as FIG. 5 are assigned with the same reference signs.

Connecting member 21 ab rotates with respect to connecting member 21 aaabout the center axis of shaft member 31 a, which is a rotation axis.Accordingly, the imaging direction of camera 11 a can be aligned withthe top direction of cover 2 (+z axis direction) as illustrated in FIG.6.

Connecting member 21 ab may rotate with respect to connecting member 21aa such that the other end traverses the top direction. That is, theimaging direction of camera 11 a may move out of the top direction ofcover 2.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a state where the imaging direction ofcamera 11 a has moved out of the top direction of cover 2. In FIG. 7,the same elements as FIGS. 5 and 6 are assigned with the same referencesigns.

The imaging direction of camera 11 a illustrated in FIG. 7 has moved soas to traverse the top direction of cover 2 in contrast to camera 11 aillustrated in FIG. 6. For example, one-dot chain line A21 illustratedin FIG. 7 indicates the top direction of cover 2. The imaging directionof camera 11 a moves so as to traverse the one-dot chain line A21 asindicated with arrow A22 of FIG. 7. A movable range of the imagingdirection of camera 11 a with respect to the elevation angle directionis, for example, 10 degrees to 110 degrees with respect to base 12.

The imaging directions of cameras 11 b to 11 d (for example, refer toFIG. 3) other than camera 11 a do not move so as to traverse the topdirection of cover 2. That is, out of four cameras 11 a to 11 d, onecamera 11 a moves so as to traverse the top direction of cover 2. Amovable range of each of the imaging directions of cameras 11 b to 11 dwith respect to the elevation angle direction is, for example, 10degrees to 80 degrees with respect to base 12.

Shaft member 31 a may be provided so as to be located at a center pointof cover 2 having a hemispheric shape. In this case, camera 11 a (lensof camera 11 a) moves such that a trajectory thereof in the elevationangle direction with respect to base 12 follows a curved surface ofcover 2.

Accordingly, camera 11 a moves in the elevation angle direction whilekeeping a fixed distance to cover 2, and can prevent a change in theindex of refraction of cover 2 caused by a change in the distance tocover 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, connecting member 21 aa rotates in theright-and-left direction about axis A11 illustrated in FIG. 4, which isa rotation axis. That is, the imaging direction of camera 11 a rotatesin an azimuth direction of base 12 about an axis extending from base 12in the top direction of cover 2, which is a rotation axis.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating rotation of camera 11 a with the topdirection of cover 2 as a rotation axis. FIG. 8 is a perspective view ofthe surveillance camera seen from a cover 2 side. In FIG. 8, the sameelements as FIG. 7 are assigned with the same reference signs.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, connecting member 21 aa extends from thecenter of circular base 12 toward the top direction of cover 2, androtates in the right-and-left direction about axis A31 of FIG. 8, whichis a rotation axis. Accordingly, the imaging direction of camera 11 aconnected to connecting members 21 aa and 21 ab rotates in theright-and-left direction about axis A31, which is a rotation axis.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state where camera 11 a has rotated withthe top direction of cover 2 as a rotation axis. In FIG. 9, the sameelements as FIG. 8 are assigned with the same reference signs.

The imaging direction of camera 11 a illustrated in FIG. 9 has changedfrom the imaging direction of camera 11 a illustrated in FIG. 8. Asillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, camera 11 a rotates about connectingmember 21 aa extending from the center of circular base 12 toward thetop direction of cover 2, which is a rotation axis.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating housing 1 and base 12 of the surveillancecamera. In FIG. 10, the same elements as FIG. 9 are assigned with thesame reference signs. As illustrated in FIG. 10, base 12 has circularrail 41 having a fixed width. The center of circular rail 41 matches thecenter of base 12.

FIG. 11 is a view of connecting member 21 aa mounted on base 12illustrated in FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, the same elements as FIG. 10 areassigned with the same reference signs.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, connecting member 21 aa has gripper 22 a.Gripper 22 a extends from connecting member 21 aa in the azimuthdirection so as to be parallel to a surface of base 12.

Connecting member 21 aa rotates in the azimuth direction of base 12 inresponse to an operation of gripper 22 a by a user. For example,connecting member 21 aa rotates in a direction of arrow A41 of FIG. 17.Accordingly, the imaging direction of camera 11 a connected toconnecting member 21 aa rotates in the azimuth direction via connectingmember 21 ab (refer to camera 11 a of FIGS. 8 and 9). Hereinafter, theazimuth direction of base 12 will be simply called an azimuth directionin some cases.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, connecting member 21 aa that connects camera11 a having an imaging direction aligned with the top direction of cover2 is connected to base 12 at the center of base 12. On the contrary,connecting members that connect cameras 11 b to 11 d having imagingdirections not aligned with the top direction of cover 2 are connectedto base 12 (rail 41) off the center of base 12.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating connection of connecting members 21 aaand 21 b to 21 d to base 12. In FIG. 12, the same elements as FIG. 11are assigned with the same reference signs. FIG. 12 is a perspectiveview of the surveillance camera seen from the cover 2 side.

At the center of rail 41, hole 51 is formed. In addition, concentrichole 52 is formed on the outside of rail 41.

Camera 11 a is connected to connecting member 21 ab. Connecting member21 ab is connected to connecting member 21 aa via shaft member 31 a.Connecting member 21 aa has gripper 22 a, fitting portion 23 a, andprotrusion 24 a (a part thereof is hidden behind camera 11 b) extendingin an upward direction in FIG. 12.

Protrusion 24 a passes through hole 51 formed in the center of base 12.Fitting portion 23 a has a dent shape such that rail 41 is sandwichedtherein. Fitting portion 23 a is slidably fitted to rail 41 of base 12.That is, fitting portion 23 a slides along rail 41. Accordingly,connecting member 21 ab can rotate in the azimuth direction in responseto an operation of gripper 22 a by a user.

Camera 11 b is connected to connecting member 21 b via a shaft member(not illustrated). Camera 11 b rotates about the center axis of theshaft member, which is a rotation axis, such that the imaging directionthereof moves in the elevation angle direction.

Connecting member 21 b has gripper 22 b and fitting portion 23 b (notillustrated). Connecting member 21 b slides along rail 41 in response toan operation of gripper 22 b by a user. That is, the imaging directionof camera 11 b can rotate in the azimuth direction in response to theoperation by the user.

Camera 11 c is connected to connecting member 21 c via shaft member 31c. Camera 11 c rotates about shaft member 31 c, which is a rotationaxis, such that the imaging direction thereof moves in the elevationangle direction.

Connecting member 21 c has gripper 22 c and fitting portion 23 c.Fitting portion 23 c has a dent shape such that rail 41 is sandwichedtherein. Fitting portion 23 c is slidably fitted to rail 41 of base 12.That is, fitting portion 23 c slides along rail 41. Accordingly,connecting member 21 c slides along rail 41 in response to an operationof gripper 22 c by a user, and the imaging direction of camera 11 c canrotate in the azimuth direction.

Camera 11 d is connected to connecting member 21 d via shaft member 31d. Camera 11 d rotates about shaft member 31 d, which is a rotationaxis, such that the imaging direction thereof moves in the elevationangle direction.

Connecting member 21 d has gripper 22 d and fitting portion 23 d.Fitting portion 23 d has a dent shape such that rail 41 is sandwichedtherein. Fitting portion 23 d is slidably fitted to rail 41 of base 12.That is, fitting portion 23 d slides along rail 41. Accordingly,connecting member 21 d slides along rail 41 in response to an operationof gripper 22 d by a user, and the imaging direction of camera 11 d canrotate in the azimuth direction.

Connecting members 21 b to 21 d of cameras 11 b to 11 d each have thesame shape or structure. Connecting members 21 b to 21 d of cameras 11 bto 11 d are connected to base 12 off the center of base 12. On the otherhand, connecting member 21 aa of camera 11 a is connected to base 12 atthe center of base 12. Accordingly, camera 11 a, out of the plurality ofcameras 11 a to 11 d, can face the top direction of cover 2.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating connection of connecting members 21 aaand 21 b to 21 d to base 12. In FIG. 13, the same elements as FIG. 12are assigned with the same reference signs. FIG. 13 is a perspectiveview of the surveillance camera seen from a housing 1 side. FIG. 13 alsoillustrates fitting portion 23 b of connecting member 21 b of whichillustration is omitted in FIG. 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, flange 25 a is formed on an end portion offitting portion 23 a of connecting member 21 aa. Flange 25 a comes intocontact with the back surface of base 12 through concentric hole 52formed in base 12. Connecting member 21 aa does not fall in thedirection of cover 2 since flange 25 a supports the back surface of base12.

Flange 25 b is formed on an end portion of fitting portion 23 b ofconnecting member 21 b. Flange 25 b comes into contact with the backsurface of base 12 through concentric hole 52 formed in base 12.Connecting member 21 b does not fall in the direction of cover 2 sinceflange 25 b supports the back surface of base 12.

Flange 25 c is formed on an end portion of fitting portion 23 c ofconnecting member 21 c. Flange 25 c comes into contact with the backsurface of base 12 through concentric hole 52 formed in base 12.Connecting member 21 c does not fall in the direction of cover 2 sinceflange 25 c supports the back surface of base 12.

Flange 25 d is formed on an end portion of fitting portion 23 d ofconnecting member 21 d. Flange 25 d comes into contact with the backsurface of base 12 through concentric hole 52 formed in base 12.Connecting member 21 d does not fall in the direction of cover 2 sinceflange 25 d supports the back surface of base 12.

Flange 25 a of connecting member 21 aa has protrusion 26 a. When movedto the position of protrusion 12 a provided on the back surface of base12 by the rotation of connecting member 21 aa in the azimuth direction,protrusion 26 a comes into contact with protrusion 12 a. Accordingly,connecting member 21 aa does not rotate 360 degrees or more in theazimuth direction. Other connecting members 21 b to 21 d also do notrotate 360 degrees or more by connecting member 21 aa not rotating 360degrees or more.

Wiring of cameras 11 a to 11 d is led to the inside of housing 1 throughhole 51. Since connecting members 21 aa and 21 b to 21 d do not rotate360 degrees or more in the azimuth direction, excessive distortion ofthe wiring of cameras 11 a to 11 d is prevented. Any one of flanges 25 bto 25 d of connecting members 21 b to 21 d may have protrusion 26 a.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of camera 11 a seen from the front. FIG.14 illustrates camera 11 a and connecting member 21 ab connected tocamera 11 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, camera 11 a has lens 61 in the front thereof.Camera 11 a rotates in the right-and-left direction with the imagingdirection thereof as a rotation axis. For example, camera 11 a rotatesin the right-and-left direction with the imaging direction illustratedwith a one-dot chain line as a rotation axis, as indicated with arrowA51 of FIG. 14.

Camera 11 a rotates with respect to connecting member 21 ab in theright-and-left direction with the imaging direction thereof as arotation axis. Connecting member 21 ab does not rotate in theright-and-left direction with the imaging direction thereof as arotation axis.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of camera 11 a seen from the back. In FIG.15, the same elements as FIG. 14 are assigned with the same referencesigns.

Camera 11 a has gear teeth-shape engaging portion 71 on the backthereof. Engaging portion 71 is formed along the circumference of thecamera.

Engaging portion 71 rotates with rotation of the camera with the imagingdirection of camera 11 a as a rotation axis. For example, when camera 11a rotates in a direction indicated with arrow A52 of FIG. 15, engagingportion 71 also rotates with the rotation of camera 11 a.

Connecting member 21 ab has lever 72 (also refer to FIG. 16). Claw 72 athat engages with grooves of engaging portion 71 is provided on an endof lever 72. Lever 72 biases claw 72 a in a groove direction of engagingportion 71.

Engaging portion 71 formed on the back of camera 11 a rotates withrespect to lever 72. By claw 72 a of lever 72 being engaged withengaging portion 71, the rotation position of camera 11 a is held(maintained) at a predetermined angle by which the camera is rotated bya user.

Camera 11 a rotates within a range where engaging portion 71 engageswith claw 72 a of lever 72. For example, when a portion of engagingportion 71, which is indicated with arrow A53, comes to the position ofclaw 72 a of lever 72, camera 11 a does not rotate in the direction ofarrow A54.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of camera 11 a seen from thefront. In FIG. 16, the same elements as FIGS. 14 and 15 are assignedwith the same reference signs.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, connecting member 21 ab has circular plate81. Camera 11 a has engaging member 82, covers 83 and 86, imagingelement 84, and filter 85. Engaging portion 71 illustrated in FIG. 15 isformed on engaging member 82.

Circular plate 81 of connecting member 21 ab has a diameter larger thanan opening of engaging member 82. Circular plate 81 of connecting member21 ab passes through the opening of engaging member 82, and engagingmember 82 through which circular plate 81 has passed is fixed to cover83. Accordingly, cover 83 can rotate with respect to connecting member212 ab.

Covers 83 and 86 accommodate imaging element 84 and filter 85. Covers 83and 86 each have a circular shape and have a shape in which a partthereof projects in a downward direction in FIG. 16. Substantiallysquare imaging element 84 is accommodated in a circular portion of cover83. Substantially rectangular filter 85 is accommodated in the circularportion and the portion projecting in the downward direction in FIG. 16of cover 83.

Camera 11 a can be miniaturized by covers 83 and 86 each having a shapeillustrated in FIG. 16. For example, if the shapes of covers 83 and 86are circles, the length of filter 85 in a longitudinal direction thereofshould be the diameters of the covers. Consequently, the volumes ofcovers 83 and 86 increase. On the contrary, covers 83 and 86 illustratedin FIG. 16 each have the circular portion accommodating substantiallysquare imaging element 84 and the projecting portion protruding from thecircular portion and accommodating substantially rectangular filter 85,thereby achieving miniaturization.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of camera 11 a seen from theback. In FIG. 17, the same elements as FIG. 16 are assigned with thesame reference signs.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 as well, circular plate 81 of connectingmember 21 ab passes through the opening of engaging member 82. Engagingmember 82 is fixed to the back of cover 83 in a state where circularplate 81 of connecting member 21 ab has passed through the opening.

Accordingly, cover 83 rotates with respect to connecting member 21 ab,and engaging member 82 fixed to the back of cover 83 also rotates withrespect to connecting member 21 ab. Then, engaging portion 71 formed onengaging member 82 rotates with respect to claw 72 a of lever 72, andthe rotation position of camera 11 a is held (maintained) at apredetermined angle by claw 72 a of lever 72 engaging with the groovesof engaging portion 71.

Cover 83 has stoppers 83 a and 83 b. Stoppers 83 a and 83 b regulaterotation of camera 11 a. For example, when stoppers 83 a and 83 b cometo the position of claw 72 a of lever 72 by the rotation of cover 83,the stoppers come into contact with claw 72 a of lever 72. By cominginto contact with claw 72 a of lever 72, stoppers 83 a and 83 b stop therotation of cover 83 such that cover 83 does not rotate any further.

That is, camera 11 a can rotate within a range where engaging portion 71engages with claw 72 a of lever 72. In other words, camera 11 a rotatesin the right-and-left direction by up to a predetermined angle with theimaging direction thereof as a rotation axis, and cannot rotate beyondthe predetermined angle.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C are views illustrating a rotation range ofcamera 11 a. The surveillance camera is in a state where a top portionof cover 2 (not illustrated) faces a vertically downward direction. Inthis state, camera 11 a is in a state where the portion projecting fromthe circular portion faces a vertically upward direction as illustratedin FIG. 18A. At this time, an up-and-down direction of landscape imagedby camera 11 a matches an up-and-down direction of an image displayed bya display device.

As illustrated in FIG. 18B, camera 11 a can rotate counterclockwise ofFIG. 18B by up to angle θ. In other words, a maximum rotation angle ofcamera 11 a counterclockwise of FIG. 18B is θ.

As illustrated in FIG. 18C, camera 11 a can rotate clockwise of FIG. 18Cby up to angle θ. In other words, a maximum rotation angle of camera 11a clockwise of FIG. 18C is θ.

Cameras 11 c to 11 d have the same configuration as camera 11 aillustrated in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18A, 18B, and 18C. That is, alsocameras 11 c to 11 d can each rotate in the right-and-left direction byup to a predetermined angle with the imaging direction thereof as arotation axis, as in camera 11 a. However, members of cameras 11 c to 11d, which correspond to connecting member 21 ab of camera 11 a, have asmaller length than connecting member 21 ab (for example, refer to aconnection portion between camera 11 c and connecting member 21 c ofFIG. 4).

The information processing device connected to the surveillance cameramay invert an up-and-down direction of an image captured by thesurveillance camera or may invert a right-and-left direction by meansof, for example, software.

Hereinafter, an example in which the surveillance camera is provided atan intersection will be described.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an example in which the surveillancecamera is provided at an intersection. A white portion of FIG. 19 isroad 101. A portion of FIG. 19 in which hatching is used is sidewalk102. A black portion of FIG. 19 is traffic light pole 103 on which thesurveillance camera is provided. The surveillance camera is provided onpole 103, for example, such that cover 2 faces the ground. Grid-likelines A61 for showing an image captured by the surveillance camera inperspective overlap road 101.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a camera provision example of thesurveillance camera provided at the intersection. In FIG. 20, the sameelements as FIG. 3 are assigned with the same reference signs. FIG. 20illustrates a simplified shape of the surveillance camera.

Cameras 11 a to 11 d are provided as illustrated in FIG. 20. Forexample, camera 11 a is provided such that the imaging direction thereofis aligned with the top direction of cover 2. Cameras 11 b and 11 d areprovided such that respective imaging directions face directionsopposite to each other. Camera 11 c is provided such that the imagingdirection thereof is at 90 degrees with respect to the imagingdirections of cameras 11 b and 11 d.

The surveillance camera is provided on traffic light pole 103 such thatbase 12 faces the ground. Therefore, camera 11 a images the ground rightbelow.

The surveillance camera is provided on the traffic light pole such thatthe imaging direction of camera 11 c is aligned with the direction ofarrow A62 of FIG. 19. A region enclosed with thick solid lines A63 a andA63 b of FIG. 19 is an imaging range of camera 11 c. A region enclosedwith dotted line A64 of FIG. 19 is an imaging range of camera 11 a. Aregion on the right, in the figure, of one-dot chain line A65 of FIG. 19is an imaging range of camera 11 d. A region on a lower side, in thefigure, of one-dot chain line A66 of FIG. 19 is an imaging range ofcamera 11 b.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating an example of an image captured in thecamera provision example of FIG. 20. When the intersection of FIG. 19 isimaged in the camera disposition illustrated in FIG. 20, the displaydevice displays, for example, images A71 to A74 illustrated in FIG. 21.

Image A71 of FIG. 21 is an image captured by camera 11 a of FIG. 20.Camera 11 a images the ground right below by the imaging directionthereof being aligned with the top direction of cover 2.

Image A72 is an image captured by camera 11 c of FIG. 20. Image A73 isan image captured by camera 11 b of FIG. 20. Image A74 is an imagecaptured by camera 11 d of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating another camera provision example. In FIG.22, the same elements as FIG. 20 are assigned with the same referencesigns. FIG. 22 illustrates a simplified shape of the surveillancecamera.

In FIG. 22, cameras 11 a to 11 d are disposed on base 12 so as to beequidistant to each other on a semicircular arc. Cameras 11 a and 11 dare disposed on both ends of the semicircular arc.

For example, dotted line A81 illustrated in FIG. 22 indicates thesemicircular arc. Cameras 11 a to 11 d are disposed so as to besubstantially equidistant to each other on the semicircular arcindicated with dotted line A81. Cameras 11 a and 11 d are disposed onboth ends of the semicircular arc indicated with dotted line A81.

When cameras 11 a to 11 d are disposed as in FIG. 22, a180-degree-panoramic image is obtained by four cameras 11 a to 11 d.When cameras 11 a to 11 d are disposed as in FIG. 3, a 360-degreepanoramic image is obtained.

The surveillance camera is provided on the traffic light pole such thatthe x axis direction of FIG. 22 is aligned with the direction of arrowA62 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating an example of an image captured in thecamera provision example illustrated in FIG. 22. When the intersectionof FIG. 19 is imaged in the camera disposition illustrated in FIG. 22,the display device displays, for example, images A91 to A94 illustratedin FIG. 23.

Image A91 of FIG. 23 is an image captured by camera 11 a of FIG. 22.Image A92 is an image captured by camera 11 b of FIG. 22. Image A93 isan image captured by camera 11 c of FIG. 22. Image A94 is an imagecaptured by camera 11 d of FIG. 22.

A panoramic image illustrated in FIG. 23 is not continuous in ahorizontal direction. For example, a road extending to the left in imageA92 is not connected to a road in image A91. In addition, a roadextending to the right in image A93 is not connected to a road in imageA94.

As described above, cameras 11 a to 11 d can each rotate in theright-and-left direction with the imaging direction thereof as arotation axis (for example, refer to FIGS. 18A to 18C). A panoramicimage can be made continuous in the horizontal direction by rotatingcameras 11 a to 11 d disposed on the semicircular arc for a panoramicimage.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating an example of a panoramic image which iscontinuous in the horizontal direction. Image A101 of FIG. 24 is animage captured by camera 11 a of FIG. 22. Image A102 is an imagecaptured by camera 11 b of FIG. 22. Image A103 is an image captured bycamera 11 c of FIG. 22. Image A104 is an image captured by camera 11 dof FIG. 22.

By rotating each of cameras 11 a to 11 d in the right-and-left directionwith the imaging direction thereof as a rotation axis, a panoramic imagecan be made continuous in the horizontal direction. For example, whencamera 11 ais rotated counterclockwise when seen from the front, imageA91 illustrated in

FIG. 23 rotates as illustrated in image A101 of FIG. 24. In addition,when camera 11 d is rotated clockwise when seen from the front, imageA94 illustrated in FIG. 23 rotates as illustrated in image A104 of FIG.24. Cameras 11 b and 11 c are also rotated such that a panoramic imageis continuous in the horizontal direction.

The maximum rotation angles of cameras 11 a to 11 d are angles at whichimages captured by two cameras imaging both ends of a panoramic imageare continuous with images captured by other cameras in the horizontaldirection. For example, the maximum rotation angles of cameras 11 a to11 d are angles at which images captured by two cameras 11 a and 11 dillustrated in FIG. 22 imaging both ends of a panoramic image arecontinuous with images captured by other cameras 11 b and 11 c in thehorizontal direction. In other words, when two cameras imaging both endsof a panoramic image are rotated by up to maximum rotation angles in anyone of sides in the right-and-left direction, images captured by theremaining two cameras can be continuous in the horizontal direction.

Due to stopper mechanisms (for example, lever 72 and stoppers 83 a and83 b illustrated in FIG. 17), cameras 11 a to 11 d do not rotate beyondthe maximum rotation angles. Therefore, if two cameras imaging both endsof a panoramic image are rotated by up to maximum rotation angles, thepanoramic image can be made continuous in the horizontal direction. Forexample, two cameras 11 a and 11 d imaging both ends of the panoramicimage illustrated in FIG. 22 may be rotated in any one direction of theright-and-left direction until the rotation is stopped by the stoppermechanisms. That is, it becomes easier for a user to make an adjustmentfor making a panoramic image continuous in the horizontal direction.

For example, marks indicating rotation angles of two cameras interposedbetween two cameras imaging both ends of a panoramic image may beattached to the back of cover 83 in order to make a panoramic imagehorizontal. For example, a user can make images interposed betweenimages on both ends of a panoramic image continuous in the horizontaldirection by rotating cameras until the marks attached to the back ofcover 83 come to the position of claw 72 a of lever 72.

In addition, although a panoramic image obtained by four cameras 11 a to11 d is described above, the disclosure can be applied to a panoramicimage obtained by three cameras. For example, the disclosure can beapplied to a case where one camera 11 a faces the top direction of cover2 and the remaining cameras 11 b to 11 d capture a panoramic image, asillustrated in FIG. 20. A maximum rotation angle in this case isdifferent from maximum rotation angles for a panoramic image obtained byfour cameras.

The surveillance camera receives external shock in some cases. Thesurveillance camera of the disclosure has a mechanism that relievesexternal shock.

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating the mechanism that relieves externalshock to the surveillance camera. In FIG. 25, the same elements as FIG.3 are assigned with the same reference signs. In FIG. 25, theillustration of cameras 11 a to 11 d is omitted.

The surveillance camera indicated with arrow A112 of FIG. 25 is asectional view taken along arrow C-C, which illustrates the surveillancecamera indicated with arrow A111. The surveillance camera indicated witharrow A113 of FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along arrow D-D, whichillustrates the surveillance camera indicated with arrow A111. Asillustrated in FIG. 25, the surveillance camera has guides 111 thatregulate the movement of base 12.

For example, a biasing member (not illustrated), such as a spring,biases base 12 in the direction of cover 2 (+z axis direction). Base 12is regulated by guides 111 so as not to come out from housing 1.

As illustrated in the sectional view taken along arrow C-C, guides 111each have a groove of which the width becomes larger as approaching thebottom of housing 1.

Each of the grooves of guides 111 accommodates a part of base 12(protrusion). Protrusions 112 illustrated in the sectional view takenalong arrow C-C are protrusions of base 12 accommodated in the groovesof guides 111 in the sectional view taken along arrow C-C.

The widths of the grooves of guides 111 each become smaller asapproaching in the direction of cover 2. The narrowest width of each ofthe grooves is smaller than the widths of protrusions 112 of base 12.Accordingly, base 12 does not come out from housing 1.

Protrusions 112 of base 12 can move freely within the areas of thegrooves of guides 111. As described above, the widths of the grooves ofguides 111 become larger as approaching toward the bottom of housing 1.Accordingly, the freedom of the movement of base 12 increases asapproaching toward the bottom of housing 1.

The surveillance camera has screws 113 a to 113 d. Screws 113 a to 113 dpass through holes formed in base 12 and are fixed to housing 1. Thediameters of heads of screws 113 a to 113 d are larger than thediameters of the holes formed in base 12. In addition, the diameters ofcylindrical portions of screws 113 a to 113 d are smaller than thediameters of the holes formed in base 12. Accordingly, the heads ofscrews 113 a to 113 d allow base 12 not to come out from housing 1. Inaddition, since the diameters of the holes formed in base 12 are largerthan the diameters of the cylindrical portions of screws 113 a to 113 d,the base can settle inside housing 1 in an inclined state (refer to FIG.27B).

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a state where base 12 has settled towardthe bottom of housing 1. FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along arrowC-C, which illustrates the surveillance camera illustrated in FIG. 25.In FIG. 26, the same elements as FIG. 25 are assigned with the samereference signs.

For example, when shock is administered from the outside of cover 2,base 12 settles toward the bottom of housing 1. For example, protrusions112 of base 12 move toward the bottom of housing 1 as illustrated inFIG. 26. Accordingly, the surveillance camera can distribute a forceapplied to cameras 11 a to 11 d. The biasing member causes base 12 toreturn to an original position.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the freedom of the movement of base 12increases as approaching toward the bottom of housing 1. Therefore, evenwhen forces are applied from various directions, base 12 can distributethe forces.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are views illustrating a state where base 12 hassettled toward the bottom of housing 1. FIGS. 27A and 27B are sectionalviews taken along arrow D-D, which illustrate the surveillance cameraillustrated in FIG. 25. In FIGS. 27A and 27B, the same elements as FIG.25 are assigned with the same reference signs.

FIG. 27A illustrates a state of base 12 when a force is evenly appliedto the entire base 12. In a case where a force is evenly applied to theentire base 12, the entire base 12 settles toward the bottom of housing1 as illustrated in FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27B illustrates a state of base 12 when a force is applied to apart of base 12. In a case where a force is applied to a part of base12, the part of base 12 settles toward the bottom of housing 1 asillustrated in FIG. 27B. As illustrated in FIG. 25, since each of thegrooves of guides 111 is formed such that the width thereof becomeslarger as approaching the bottom of housing 1, base 12 can settle towardthe bottom of housing 1 in an inclined state as illustrated in FIG. 27B.That is, base 12 can distribute a force applied from various directions.

As described above, the dome type surveillance camera includes base 12,connecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d connected to base12, the plurality of cameras 11 a to 11 d connected to connectingmembers 21 aa, 21 ab, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d such that the respectiveimaging directions move in the elevation angle direction with respect tobase 12, and dome type cover 2 fixed to base 12 so as to coverconnecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d and the pluralityof cameras 11 a to 11 d. One camera 11 a out of the plurality of cameras11 a to 11 d moves such that the imaging direction thereof is alignedwith the top of cover 2.

Accordingly, the imaging direction of the surveillance camera can bealigned with various directions. For example, the imaging direction ofthe surveillance camera can be aligned with the vertically downwarddirection such as the ground. Since the imaging direction of thesurveillance camera can be aligned with various directions, for example,a vertically downward area such as the ground can be imaged clearly. Inaddition, the surveillance camera can cause the vertically downwardarea, such as the ground, to be displayed, for example, at the center ofthe display device.

In addition, the dome type surveillance camera includes base 12,connecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, and 21 b to 21 d connected to base 12,cameras 11 a to 11 d connected to connecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, and21 b to 21 d, and dome type cover 2 fixed to base 12 so as to coverconnecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, and 21 b to 21 d and cameras 11 a to 11d. Base 12 includes circular rail 41 of which the center is at aposition immediately below the top of cover 2. Connecting members 21 bto 21 d slide along rail 41, and connecting members 21 aa and 21 ab areconnected to base 12 immediately below the top of cover 2. Accordingly,the imaging direction of the surveillance camera can be aligned withvarious directions. For example, the imaging direction of thesurveillance camera can be aligned with various azimuth directions sincecameras 11 b to 11 d slide along rail 41. In addition, since camera 11 acan face the top of cover 2, for example, the imaging direction of thesurveillance camera can be aligned with the vertically downwarddirection such as the ground.

In addition, the dome type surveillance camera includes base 12,connecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d connected to base12, the plurality of cameras 11 a to 11 d connected to connectingmembers 21 aa, 21 ab, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d, and dome type cover 2 fixedto base 12 so as to cover connecting members 21 aa, 21 ab, 21 b, 21 c,and 21 d and the plurality of cameras 11 a to 11 d. The plurality ofrespective cameras 11 a to 11 d are connected to connecting members 21aa, 21 ab, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d so as to be rotatable by up topredetermined rotation angles in both right and left directions withrespective imaging directions as axes, such that a captured panoramicimage is continuous in the horizontal direction. The predeterminedrotation angles each are an angle at which images obtained by twocameras imaging both ends of the panoramic image, out of the pluralityof cameras 11 a to 11 d, are continuous with images captured by othercameras in the horizontal direction.

Accordingly, in the surveillance camera, cameras 11 a to 11 d can beeasily adjusted such that a panoramic image is continuous in thehorizontal direction. For example, it is sufficient that a user rotatescameras 11 a to 11 d imaging both ends of a panoramic image by up topredetermined rotation angles.

Although it is described that the imaging directions of cameras 11 a to11 d are adjusted by a user's hand, the adjustment is not limitedthereto. For example, the surveillance camera may have a driving devicethat can remotely control the imaging directions of cameras 11 a to 11d.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A surveillance camera being formed in a dome dormtype comprising: a plurality of cameras; a first connecting member thatis connected on a base and connected to a first camera which is one ofthe plurality of cameras; and a plurality of second connecting membersthat are connected on the base and connected to each of a plurality ofsecond cameras excluding the first camera of the plurality of cameras,wherein the plurality of second cameras are arranged on a samecircumference on the base by the second connecting members, the firstcamera is located, by the first connecting member, directly below azenith of a dome such that an imaging direction faces the zenith at afirst position, and the first camera is freely movable so as to locateon the circumference at a second position, and wherein the firstconnecting member comprises: a first member extending toward the zenithof the dome from a point on the base located immediately below thezenith of the dome, and a second member having a first end freelyrotatably connected to an end portion of the first member on a sideopposite from the base, and a second end connected to the first camera.17. (canceled)
 18. The surveillance camera according to claim 16,wherein the first member rotates in an azimuth direction of the base.19. The surveillance camera according to claim 16, wherein the firstcamera moves such that a trajectory in an elevation angle direction withrespect to the base moves along a curved surface of the dome.
 20. Thesurveillance camera according to claim 16, wherein the first cameramoves traversingly in a zenith direction of the dome.
 21. A surveillancecamera being formed in a dome type comprising: a plurality of cameras; afirst connecting member that is connected on a base and connected to afirst camera which is one of the plurality of cameras; a plurality ofsecond connecting members that are connected on the base and connectedto each of a plurality of second cameras excluding the first camera ofthe plurality of cameras; and a circular rail provided on the base, thecircular rail being centered on a point immediate below a zenith of adome, wherein the plurality of second cameras are arranged on a samecircumference on the base by the second connecting members, the firstcamera is located, by the first connecting member, directly below thezenith of the dome such that an imaging direction faces the zenith at afirst position, and the first camera is freely movable so as to locateon the circumference at a second position, the first connecting memberincludes a first member standing upright from the point on the baselocated immediately below the zenith of the dome and being freelyrotatable centered on the point immediate below the zenith; and a secondmember having a first end connected to the first member and a second endconnected to the first camera and being freely rotatable in an azimuthdirection, and the first member and the second connecting member slidealong the rail.
 22. The surveillance camera according to claim 21,wherein the second member is connected to the first member such that thesecond end moves traversingly in a zenith direction of the dome.
 23. Thesurveillance camera according to claim 21, wherein the respectiveplurality of second cameras are connected to the second connectingmembers such that an imaging direction moves in an elevation angledirection with respect to the base and the imaging direction moves so asnot to traverse a zenith direction of the dome.
 24. The surveillancecamera according to claim 21, wherein the second connecting memberincludes a first gripper, and the second connecting member slides alongthe rail in response to an operation of the first gripper by a user. 25.The surveillance camera according to claim 21, wherein the firstconnecting member includes a second gripper, and the first connectingmember rotates in the azimuth direction of the base in response to anoperation of the second gripper by the user.
 26. A surveillance camerabeing formed in a dome type comprising: a plurality of cameras; a firstconnecting member that is connected on a base and connected to a firstcamera which is one of the plurality of cameras; and a plurality ofsecond connecting members that are connected on the base and connectedto each of a plurality of second cameras excluding the first camera ofthe plurality of cameras, wherein the plurality of second cameras arearranged on a same circumference on the base by the second connectingmembers, the first camera is located, by the first connecting member,directly below a zenith of a dome such that an imaging direction facesthe zenith at a first position, and the first camera is freely movableso as to locate on the circumference at a second position, the base is aflat surface, the plurality of cameras are at least three or morecameras and each of the cameras is connected to the base so as to befreely movable along the circumference on the base, and when theplurality of cameras are arranged on a semicircular arc so as to bepositioned at equal intervals, each of the plurality of cameras isfreely rotatable in both right and left directions by having an imagingdirection as an axis, such that a panoramic image configured by imagescaptured by each of the plurality of cameras becomes continuous in ahorizontal direction, the imaging direction being an optical axisdirection of each of the plurality of cameras.
 27. The surveillancecamera according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of cameras areconnected on the base via as connecting member, and each of theplurality of cameras has a stopper mechanism so as not to rotate beyonda predetermined rotation angle with respect to the connecting member.28. The surveillance camera according to claim 26, wherein one cameraout of the plurality of cameras moves such that the imaging directionfaces the zenith of the dome.